Currency-operated gas pump



Feb. 8, 1966 H. F. WITMAN CURRENCY-OPERATED GAS PUMP 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 20, 1964 R O, 6 W M 0 MM r U y Q M 4 TTOE/VEYS.

United States Patent 3,233,712 CURRENCY-OPERATED GAS PUMP Harry F. Witman, Star Route, Eagle River, Alaska 99577 Filed Mar. 20, 1964, Ser. No. 353,345 8 Claims. (Cl. 1945) This invention relates to currency-controlled liquid dispensers, and more particularly to a gasoline dispenser which is conditioned upon the deposit of currency therein to dispense the prepaid amount of fuel and which will stop dispensing when the aforesaid prepaid amount has been dispensed.

A main object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved automatic currency-controlled liquid dispensing device which is relatively simple in construction, which is easy to operate, and which provides accurate dispensing of a liquid, such as gasoline, in accordance with the amount of currency deposited therein.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved currency-controlled liquid dispensing device which involves relatively inexpensive components, which is reliable in operation, and which is substantially tamper-proof.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved currency-controlled liquid dispensing system which may be incorporated in a relatively compact assembly, which involves a relatively simple electrical circuit, and which utilizes existing components in a manner making it relatively easy to modify an existing computing liquid dispenser so as to incorporate the features of the present invention.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved currency-controlled gasoline dispensing system which includes an efficient means for receiving and identifying currency bills and for subsequently collecting same, and which is further provided with means for automatically controlling the motor and solenoid valve associated with a conventional gasoline pump in accordance with the number of currency bills deposited so that a propor- L tionate quantity of gasoline can be dispensed by the associated gasoline pump.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and claims, and from the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a typical embodiment of an improved currency-responsive gasoline pump control device constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of the computing and exhibiting mechanism employed in the assembly of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal vertical cross sectional view taken through the front portion of the assembly of FIGURE 1, showing parts of the currency accepting and identifying portion of the device.

FIGURE 4 is an electrical schematic wiring diagram showing the electrical connections of the various components of the currency-controlled gasoline dispensing system according to the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, 11 generally designates a typical currency-actuated control device for use with a conventional gasoline dispensing pump, in accordance with the present invention. The assembly 11 comprises a main housing 12 mounted on a suitable supporting post 13, which extends upwardly from a base 14 adapted to be anchored to the ground or pavement adjacent to a conventional gasoline dispensing pump. The housing 12 contains a substantially conventional computing indicator 15 adapted to register the amount of gasoline dispensed from the associated gasoline pump, which is provided with a motor 16, indicated in block form in FIGURE 4.

The counting and display apparatus may be similar to that disclosed in the prior US. patent to V. W. West No. 2,995,229. This mechanism includes a volume-setting ratchet wheel 17, shown schematically in FIGURE 4, which may be set in accordance with a predetermined amount of gasoline to be dispensed by the associated pump, and which is provided with a terminating switch 18 actuated by a suitable pin or similar element carried by one of the indicating drums of the mechanism 15 which operates the switch 18 when a quantity of gasoline has been dispensed in accordance with the setting of the ratchet wheel 17. The mechanism 15 is provided with reset means which returns it to zero indication responsive to the energization of an associated solenoid 19 whose plunger 20 is connected to a conventional reset shaft 21 by link bars 22 and 23, as shown in FIGURE 2. The reset mechanism controlled by solenoid .19 is conventional per se and in itself forms no part of the present mechanism. The switch 18 is normally open but is arranged so that it will be closed by the movement of the computer display mechanism to a position corresponding to the forwardly stepped setting of the ratchet wheel 17 from its initial starting position, as will be presently explained.

The ratchet wheel 17 may be controlled in a well known manner, for example, in a manner similar to that disclosed in the patent to P. M. Schneckenburger No. 2,573,112, and is provided with a step-up driving solenoid 24 and a step-down solenoid 25. Associated with the ratchet wheel 17 are respective switches 26, 27 and 28 which are provided with operating means to actuate same in accordance with the direction of operation of the ratchet wheel 17. Thus, suitable cam means may be provided, driven by the ratchet wheel 17, operating to close the switch 26 only when the ratchet wheel 17 is in its stepped-up position and to close the switches 27 and '28 only when the ratchet wheel 17 is in. its steppeddown position. Thus, the cam controlled switches 27 and 28, associated with the ratchet wheel 17 are closed responsive to the energization of the step-down solenoid 25. Similarly, the switch 26 is closed only when the ratchet wheel 17 is in its stepped-up position resulting from one or more successive energizations of the stepup solenoid 24.

Mounted in the housing 12 is a conventional currency acceptor, which may be similar to that disclosed in the US. patent to J. Diaz, No. 3,080,035 and is of a type provided with a sliding receiver for receiving a dollar bill. Thus, the currency acceptor, designated generally at 29 in FIGURE 4, is provided with the horizontally extending supporting guideway 30 in which is mounted the sliding carriage member 31, the carriage member being provided with the hinged clamping plate 32 and arranged to receive a dollar bill 33 therebeneath so that the dollar bill is pressed between the clamping plate 32 and adjacent portion 34 of the member 31. The clamping plate 32 is formed with apertures registrable with the apertures in the member 34. The slide member 31 extends through a horizontal slot 35 in the front wall of the housing 12 and is retractable into the housing to bring the apertured member 32 beneath a light source 36 so that rays from the source will pass through the dollar bill 33, and if the rays are transmitted in a predetermined manner, in accordance with the arrangement of the apertures in the members 32 and 34, photoelectric cells 37 will be energized and cause the currency acceptor 29 to deliver a pulse through an output wire 38, namely, to conductively connect the wire 38 to another lead wire 39 associated with the currency acceptor 29.

The conventional currency acceptor 29 is provided 'open switch 27.

with a clamping solenoid 49 which is energized responsive to the closure of a microswitch 41 when the slide member 31 reaches its innermost position in the supporting guideway 30, the closure of the microswitch 41 serving to connect the solenoid 49 across a pair of current supply wires 42 and 43, as shown in FIGURE 3. The lamp 36 is similarly energized responsive to the closure of the switch 41, so that when the slide member 31 is pushed inwardly, carrying the dollar bill 33, the dollar bill is clamped and held, simultaneously with the energization of the light source 36, and if the proper pattern of light transmission is present, the cells 37 respond to operate conventional mechanism driving gripping rollers 44, 44 which move the dollar bill inwardly and deposit it in a suitable receptacle, not shown.

The details of the currency acceptor 29 are conventional per se and in themselves form no part of the present invention. Another prior patent showing another example of a currency acceptor which may be employed in the present mechanism is US. Patent No. 2,932,392 to R. L. Burtner et al.

Designated at 45 and 46 are a pair of main line wires,

the wire- 45 being grounded. The supply wire 42 of the currency acceptor is connected to the line wire 45 by the wire 39, and the supply wire 43 of the currency acceptor is connected to the line wire 46 by Wire 23 and the normally open contacts 47 and 48 of a relay 49, through a conventional fuse t Relay 49 is also provided with a pair of holding contacts 51 and 52. One terminal of relay 49 is connected to main line wire by a Wire 53 and the other terminal of the winding of relay 49 is connected to line wire 46 by a wire 54 through the normally Wire 54 is connected to the movable contact 52 of relay 49, and the stationary contact 51 of said relay is connected by a wire 55 to the stationary contact 56 of a relay 57, said stationary contact being normally engaged by a movable pole 58, which is in turn connected through fuse 50 to line wire 46. Relay 57 is provided with another movable pole 59 engageable with a stationary contact 60 responsive to the energization of relay 57. The contact 69 is connected by a wire 61 to one terminal of pump motor 16 and to one terminal of the solenoid valve 62 which controls the discharge of gasoiine from the pump. The remaining terminals of motor 16 and valve 62 are connected by a wire 63 to main line wire 45.

One terminal of the winding of relay 57 is connected by a wire 64 to line wire 45. The other terminal of the winding of relay 57 is connected by a wire 65 through switch 26 to a wire66 which is in turn connected to line wire 46 through a normally open switch 67 operated by a lever (not shown) on the associated gasoline pump. This lever is operated in order to dispense the gasoline from the pump and the operation of the lever closes switch 67. A similar switch 69, operated by the pump lever, is also provided. Both switches 67 and 69 are normally opened but are simultaneously closed when the aforesaid pump lever is operated, preparatory to dispensing gasoline from the pump. It will be seen that the relay 57 will not be energized unless said lever is in its actuated position, closing switch 67.

One terminal of the step-up solenoid 24 is connected by a wire 70 to line wire 46. The other terminal of solenoid 24 is connected to the wire 38, and through the photo-sensitive switch means of the currency acceptor 29 and wire 39 to line wire 45.

One terminal of solenoid 19 is connected by a wire 71 to line wire 45. The other terminal of solenoid 19 is connected by a wire 72 to the stationary contact 73 of a relay 74. An associated pole 75 of the relay is connected by a wire 76 to line wire 46. One terminal of the winding of relay 74 is connected by a wire 77 to wire 38. The other terminal of the relay winding is connected by a wire '78 through switch 28 to line wire 46.

One terminal of the step-down solenoid 25 is connected by a wire 79 to line wire 45. The other terminal of solenoid 25 is connected by a wire 80 through the lower contacts 81 and 82 of a reset switch 83 and switches 18 and 69 to the line wire 46. The pole 87 of switch 83 normally bridges the contacts 81 and 82, but the switch may be actuated to elevate the pole 87 away from contacts 81 and 82 and into bridging relation to opposite contacts 88 and 39. Contact 83 is connected to wire 30 and contact 89 is connected to line wire 46, so that by operating the reset switch 83 to connect contacts 88 and 89, the solenoid 25 may be energized directly from line wires 45 and 46.

The housing 12 also contains an alarm device 90, which may he a hell, huzzer, horn, or the like, and which is electrically operated. One terminal of the device 90 is connected by a wire 91 to line wire 45. The other terminal is connected by a wire 92 to the movable contact 9.3 of a relay 94 which is normally held away from a. stationary contact 95 connected by a wire 96 to line wire 46. Thus, the relay 94 has one terminal of its winding connected directly to line wire 45 and the other terminal of its winding connected through a pair of normally closed door-controlled switches 97 and 98 to the line wire 46. The switches 97 and 98 are held closed by the door 99 of the housing 12 and open as soon as the door 99 is moved away from its closed position. This deenergizes the relay 94, allowing contact 93 to engage contact 95 and thereby energizes the alarm device 90'.

To operate the device, assuming the slide member 31 is in its extended position, the first step is to push the reset button associated with the reset switch 83, causing the solenoid 25 to become energized through a circuit com-pnising line wire 45, wire 79, the Winding of solenoid 25, wire 80, contacts 88 and 89 hnidged by pole 87, and line wire 46. This produces the stepped-down condition of the ratchet wheel 17, causing s m'tches 27 and 28 to close. The closure of switch 27 energizes relay 49 through a circuit comprising line wire 45, wire 53, the winding of relay 49, wire 54, switch 27 and line Wire 46. Contacts 47 and 48 close, energizing the currency acceptor 29 through a circuit comprising line wire 45, wire 39, wire 23, contacts 47 and 48, fuse 5t) and line Wire 46. Relay 49 is held closed by the closure of contacts 51 and 52, thereby establishing a shunting circuit across the switch 27 from wire 54 through contacts 51 and 52, contacts 56 and 58 of relay 57, fuse 5t) and line wire 46.

The bill 33 is then placed in the receptacle, shown at 100, on the slide member 31, engaged between the pivoted penforated top member 32 and the horizontal perforated bottom member 34. The slide mern ber 31 is then pushed inwardly, whereby to close the microswitch 41 and energize lain-p 36 and the clamping solenoid 40. Upon the proper identification of the hill, the photocells 37 cause the currency acceptor 29 to establish a connection 'between wires 39 and 38, whereby current is delivered to the step-up solenoid 24 through a circuit comprising line wire 45, wire 39, currency acceptor 29, Wire 38, the winding of relay 24, wire 70 and line wire 46. This advances the ratchet wheel 17 through a step-up interval and causes switch 26 to be closed, the switches 27 and 28 opening. However, prior to the opening of switch 28, a pulse is delivered to the relay 74 through the currency acceptor through a circuit comprising line wire 45, wire 39, current acceptor 29, wire 38, wire 77, the winding of relay 74, wire 78, switch 28, and line wire 46. This closes the contacts 73 and 75, energizing the meter-cancelling solenoid 19 so as to cancel the previous indication on the pump meter display assembly 15.

A desired number of bill-s may he placed in the device, corresponding to a desired quantity of gasoline to be dispensed, by repeating the above procedure, except that the reset switch 83 must not be actuated. As previously described, the currency acceptor 29 operates to collect the bills and transmit them to the currency collection receptacle of the device 29.

After the desired number of bills have been inserted, causing the ratchet wheel 17 to be correspondingly advanced, the lever on the pump is pulled causing switches 67 and 69 to close. Since the switch 26 is closed because ratchet wheel 17 is in its stepped-up posit-ion, the closure of switch 67 energizes the relay 57 through a circuit comprising line wire 45, wire 64, the winding of relay 57, wire 65, switch 26, wire 66, switch 67 and line wire 46. This causes contacts 56 and 58 to open, deenergizing the relay 49 and deenergizing the currency acceptor 29 by the opening of contacts 47 and 48. At the same time, contacts 59 and 60 close causing pump motor 16 and solenoid valve 62 to be energized, since wire 61 is thereby connected to line wire 46 through contacts 59 and 60 and time 50. This allows gasoline to be delivered by squeezing the delivery lever of the nozzle. The device 15 operates while gasoline is being delivered and continues operation until microswitch 18 is closed by the arrival of the indicating drums of the meter at the position corresponding to that predetermined by the stepping-up of the ratchet wheel 17. Since switch 69 is closed, the step-down" solenoid 25 becomes energized through a circuit comprising line wire 45, wire 79, the winding of solenoid 25, wire 80, contacts 81 and 82 and pole 87 of reset switch 83, switch 18, switch 69 and line wire 46. This moves the ratchet wheel 17 to its step-down position, closing switches 27 and 28 and opening switch 26. The opening of switch 26 deenergizes the relay 57, thereby deenergizing motor 16 and valve 62 by the opening of contacts 59 and 60. The pump lever is then returned to its normal position, causing switches 67 and 69 to open and the nozzle is hung up on the rack provided therefor on the pump. Solenoid 25 becomes deenergized by the opening of switch 69, allowing ratchet wheel 17 to return to its normal position and thereby causing switches 27 and 28 to open. This returns the various parts to their normal positions, shown in FIGURE 4.

It will be understood that the advancement of the ratchet wheel 17 to a position corresponding to the desired quantity of gasoline to be delivered is accomplished by successively inserting currency bills 33 in the currency acceptor 29 to the amount corresponding to the desired quantity of gasoline after the reset switch 83 has been first actuated. The currency bills are inserted one at a time, and each insertion, namely, inward movement of slide member 31 to a position closing microswitch 41, with a proper bill carried therein, produces one step of advancement of the ratchet wheel 17.

It is of course necessary that reset switch 83 be left undisturbed after the currency has been inserted in the device.

While a specific embodiment of an improved paper currency-controlled liquid dispensing pump system. has been disclosed in the foregoing description, it will be understood that various modifications within the spirit of the invention may occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that no limitations be placed on the invention except as defined by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination with a liquid dispensing pump of the type having a pump motor, a settable ratchet wheel, and counter means operated by the pump and provided with a switch which is operated when the counter means reaches a position corresponding to a predetermined forward setting of said ratchet wheel, a paper currency-responsive circuit-closing device, a step-up solenoid operatively associated with said ratchet wheel to rotate the ratchet wheel in a forward direction responsive to a pulse received by the solenoid, a step-down solenoid operatively associated with the ratchet wheel to rotate the ratchet wheel in a rearward direction responsive to energization of said step-down solenoid, a source of current, means to first connect said step down solenoid to said source of current, whereby to energize said stepdown solenoid, means to energize said currencyresponsive device responsive to the ensuing rotation of the ratchet wheel rearwardly, means to then energize the step-up solenoid to advance the ratchet wheel, means to energize said pump motor when the ratchet wheel is in an advanced position, and means to deenergize the pump motor responsive to the operation of said firstnamed switch.

2. In combination with a liquid dispensing pump of the type having a pump motor, a settable ratchet wheel, counter means operated by the pump and provided with a switch which is operated when the counter means reaches a position corresponding to a predetermined forward setting said ratchet wheel, a counter-zeroing solenoid, a paper currency-responsive circuit-closing device, a step-up solenoid operatively associated with said ratchet wheel to rotate the ratchet wheel in a forward direction responsive to a pulse received by the solenoid, a stepdown solenoid operatively associated with the ratchet wheel to rotate the ratchet wheel in a rearward direction responsive to energization of said step-down solenoid, a source of current, means to first connect said step-d=own solenoid to said source of current, whereby to energize said step-down solenoid, means to energize said currency-responsive device responsive to the ensuing rotraction of the ratchet wheel, whereby to then energize the said counter-zeroing solenoid when the ratchet wheel is rotated rearwardly, means to then energize the step-up solenoid through said currency-responsive device to advance the ratchet wheel, means to energize said pump motor when the ratchet wheel is in an advanced position, and means to deenergize the pump motor responsive to the operation of said first-named switch.

3. In combination with a liquid dispensing pump of the type having a pump motor, a settable ratchet wheel, and counter means operated by the pump and provided with a switch which is operated when the counter means reaches a position corresponding to a predetermined forward setting of said ratchet wheel, a paper currencyresponsive circuit-closing device, a step-up solenoid operatively associated with said ratchet wheel to advance the ratchet wheel responsive to a pulse received by the solenoid, means to energize said solenoid responsive to actuation of said currency-responsive device, a stepdown solenoid operatively associated with said ratchet wheel to retract the ratchet wheel, means to first energize said step-down solenoid, means to energize said currency-responsive device responsive to the ensuing re tion of the ratchet wheel, whereby to then energize the step-up solenoid responsive to the presence of paper money in the currency-responsive device, means to energize the pump motor when the ratchet wheel is in an advanced position, and means to deenergize the pump motor responsive to the operation of said first-named switch.

4. In combination with a liquid dispensing pump of the type having a pump motor, a settable ratchet wheel, and counter means operated by the pump and provided with a switch which is operated when the counter means reaches a position corresponding to a predetermined forward setting of said ratchet wheel, a paper currencyresponsive circuit-closing device, a step-up solenoid operatively associated with said ratchet wheel to advance the ratchet wheel responsive to a pulse received by the solenoid, means to energize said solenoid responsive to actuation of said currency-responsive device, a stepdown solenoid operatively associated with said ratchet wheel to retract the ratchet wheel, a source of current, a manually controlled reset switch, means to first connect said step-down solenoid to said source of current through said reset switch, whereby to energize said step-down solenoid and retract the ratchet wheel responsive to operation of said reset solenoid, means to energize said currency-responsive device responsive to retraction of the ratchet wheel, whereby to then energize the step-up solenoid responsive to the presence of paper currency in the currencvy-responsive device, means to energize the pump motor when the ratchet Wheel is in an advanced position, and means to deenergize the pump motor respon--. sive to the operation of said first-named switch.

5. In combination with a liquid dispensing pump of the type having a pump motor, a settable ratchet wheel, counter means operated by the pump and provided with a switch which is operated when the counter means reaches a position corresponding to a predetermined forward setting of said ratchet wheel, and a counter-resetting solenoid operatively associated with said counter means, a paper currency-responsive circuit-closing device, a stepup solenoid operatively associated with said ratchet wheel to advance the ratchet wheel responsive to a pulse received by the solenoid, means to energize said solenoid responsive to actuation of said currency-responsive device, a step-down solenoid operatively associated with said ratchet wheel to retract the ratchet wheel, means to initially simultaneously energize said step-down solenoid and counter-resetting solenoid, whereby to zeroize the counter means and retract the ratchet wheel, means to energize said currency-responsive device responsive to the'ensuing retraction of the ratchet wheel, whereby to then energize the "step-up solenoid responsive to the presence of paper currency in the currency-responsive device, means to energize the pump motor when the ratchet wheel is in an advanced position, and means to deenergize the pump motor responsive to the operation of said first-named switch.

6.' In combination with a liquid dispensing pump of the type having a pump motor, a settable ratchet wheel, counter means operated by the pump and provided with a switch which is operated when the counter means reaches a position corresponding to a predetermined forward setting ot said ratchet wheel, and a counter-resetting solenoid operatively associated with said counter rneans, a paper currency-responsive circuit-closing device, a stepup solenoid operatively associated with said ratchet wheel to advance the ratchet wheel responsive to a pulse received by the solenoid, means to energize said solenoid responsive to actuation of said currency-responsive device, a step-down solenoid operatively associated with said ratchet wheel to retract the ratchet wheel, a source of current, a manually controlled reset switch, means to first connect said step-down solenoid to said source of current through said reset switch, whereby to energize said step down solenoid and retract the ratchet lWthtiBl responsive to operation of said reset solenoid, means to connect said counter-resetting solenoid to said source of current responsive to the retraction of said ratchet wheel, normally open first switch means closing responsive to the rotation out the ratchet wheel rearwardly, rneans connecting said currency-responsive device to said source of current through said last-named switch means, whereby to energize said currency-responsive device responsive to retraction of the ratchet wheel, whereby to then energize the step-up solen'oid responsive to the presence of paper currency in the currency-responsive device, normally open second switch means closing responsive to the rotation of the ratchetwheel forwardly, means including said second switch means to energize the pump motor when the ratchet wheel is in an advanced position, and means to ideenergize the pump motor responsive to the operation of said first-named switch.

7. In combination with a liquid dispensing pump Olf the type having a pump motor and solenoid valve, a setta-b le ratchet wheel, and counter means operated by the pump and provided with a normally open limit switch which is closed by the counter means when said counter means reaches a position corresponding to a predetermined forward setting of said ratchet wheel, a normally deenergized photo-electric paper currency-identifying circuitcilosing device, a step-up solenoid operatively associated with said ratchet wheel to advance the ratchet wheel one step each time a. pulse is received by said solenoid, means to apply a pulse to the solenoid responsive to actuation of said paper currency-identifying device when energized, with a predetermined currency bill contained therein, a step-down solenoid operatively associated with said ratchet wheel means to first energize said step-down solenoid, wlhere-hy to retract the ratchet wheel, a source of current, normally open first switch means closing responsive to the rotation of the ratchet wheel rearwardly, means connecting said currency-identifying,device to said source through said last-n-ained'switch means, whereby to energize said currency-identifying device responsive to retraction of said ratchet wheel, whereby-to then energize the step-up solenoid, normally open second switch means closing responsive to the rotation of the ratchet wheel forwardly, means including said second switch means to energize the pump motor and solenoid valve when the ratchet wheel is in an advanced position, and means to deenergize the pump motor and solenoid valve responsive to the closure of'said limit switch.

8. In combination with a liquid dispensing pump of the type having'a pump motor and solenoid valve, a settable ratchet wheel, and counter means operated by the pump and provided with a normally open limit switch which is closed by the counter means when said counter means reaches a position corresponding to a predetermined forward setting of said ratchet Wheel, and a counter resetting solenoid operativeily associated with said counter means, a normally deenergized photo-electric paper currencyidentifying circuit-closing device, a step-up solenoid operatively associated with said ratchet wheel to advance the ratchet wheel one step each time a pulse is received bysaid solenoid, means to apply a pulse to the solenoid responsive to actuation of said paper currency-identifying device when energized, with a predetermined currency hill contained therein, a step-down solenoid oper'atively associated with said ratchet wheel to retract the ratchet wheel, a source of current, a manually controlled reset switch, means to first connect said step-down solenoid to said source of current through said reset switch, whereby to energize said step-down solenoid and retract the ratchet wheel responsive to operation of said reset solenoid, means to connect said counter-resetting solenoid to said source of current responsive to the retraction of said ratchet wheel, normally open first switch means closing responsive to the rotation of the ratchet wheel rearwardly, means connecting said currency-identifying device to said source of current through said last-named switch means, whereby to energize said currency-identifying device responsive to retraction of said ratchet wheel], whereby to then energize the step-up solenoid, normally open second switch means closing responsive to the rotation. of the ratchet wheel forwardly, means including said second switch means to energize the pump motor and solenoid valve when the ratchet wheel is in an advanced position, and means to deenergize the pump motor and solenoid valve responsive to the closure of said limit switch.

References Qitetl hy the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS SAMUEL F. COLEMAN, Primary Examiner. 

1. IN COMBINATION WITH A LIQUID DISPENSING PUMP OF THE TYPE HAVING A PUMP MOTOR, A SETTABLE RATCHET WHEEL, AND COUNTER MEANS OPERATED BY THE PUMP AND PROVIDED WITH A SWITCH WHICH IS OPERATED WHEN THE COUNTER MEANS REACHES A POSITION CORRESPONDING TO A PREDETERMINED FORWARD SETTING OF SAID RATCHET WHEEL, A PAPER CURRENCY-RESPONSIVE CIRCUIT-CLOSING DEVICE, A "STEP-UP SOLENOID OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH SAID RATCHET WHEEL TO ROTATE THE RATCHET WHEEL IN A FORWARD DIRECTION RESPONSIVE TO A PULSE RECEIVED BY THE SOLENOID, A "STEP-DOWN" SOLENOID OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH THE RATCHET WHEEL TO ROTATE THE RATCHET WHEEL IN A REARWARD DIRECTION RESPONSIVE TO ENERGIZATION OF SAID "STEP-DOWN" SOLENOID, A SOURCE OF CURRENT, MEANS TO FIRST CONNECT SAID "STEP-DOWN" SOLENOD TO SAID SOURCE OF CURRENT, WHEREBY TO ENERGIZE SAID "STEPDOWN" SOLENOID, MEANS TO ENERGIZE SAID CURRENCYRESPONSIVE DEVICE RESPONSIVE TO THE ENSUING ROTATION OF THE RATCHET WHEEL REARWARDLY, MEANS TO THEN ENERGIZE THE "STEP-UP" SOLENOID TO ADVANCE THE RATCHET WHEEL, MEANS TO ENERGIZE SAID PUMP MOTOR WHEN THE RATCHET WHEEL IS IN AN ADVANCED POSITION, AND MEANS TO DEENERGIZE THE PUMP MOTOR RESPONSIVE TO THE OPERATION OF SAID FIRSTNAMED SWITCH. 